BE CAREFUL!

Posted on March 14, 2014 by randscallawayffm

How many times do we say this to children? Be careful, watch where you are going! Be careful when you do that! Be careful walking across the street! Look both ways! I have fully grown adult children and I still say, Be careful when you drive home!

We even have a song for it. It is the first thing I thought of when I read our next verse from Psalm 119:

Oh, be careful little eyes what you see
Oh, be careful little ears what you hear
Oh, be careful little mouth what you say

For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh, be careful little eyes what you see.

WHY do we say, “be careful”, to our children? Because we love them with all our heart and want them to be safe and happy.

WHY does our heavenly Father say, “be careful” (throughout his Word?) Because He loves us and wants us to be safe and happy.

“You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.” Psalm 119:4, NLT

“You, God, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it.” The Message

Image

For leaders: Be careful!
As Paul wrote to his young protege, Timothy, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right, and God will save you and those who hear you.” In other words, be careful! On this brief journey on earth, may we “focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching.” 1 Timothy. “With the help of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard what has been entrusted to you.” 2 Tim 1, NLT

Dear Heavenly Father,
We are reminded to be careful in every thought and action. Help us to be and do all that pleases You and is according to Your Word. May Your Holy Spirit continue to be with us, guiding, convicting and warning us of danger when we veer away from what is true and right.
Thank you for salvation, freedom and Your Presence in our lives. In Jesus Name, Amen

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

WITHOUT COMPROMISE!

Posted on March 13, 2014 by randscallawayffm
Psalm 119:3

“They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths.”

No compromise. No giving up of the principles of the law. No shading the truth. No weakening of your stand for what is right according to scripture. No lowering of the standard of God’s Word to accommodate what the world is telling you is “right or fair”. No weakening our reputations by accepting standards that are lower than is desirable. In other words, don’t make a deal with the devil. Everyone loses. Everyone. Your family, friends, and associates you are trying to point to Christ. No compromise. No deal. Walk only in his paths. 

His Word, Our Walk…Four powerful words that is the theme of the church we attend. It has great meaning for me as I read this small, but powerful verse this morning. There is great satisfaction when we have walked without compromise. Joy floods our souls just knowing we make God smile when we follow His Word. His Word guides us because He loves us and wants the best for us!

So, never give up on what is right according to God’s Word and “all will go well with you”. “Happy are those who follow”. When the worldview says their translation of what God’s love means trumps what God’s Word says, WATCH OUT! That is a lie! There is NO compromise or lowering the standards of what God, our Heavenly Father, intended for us as his children. God’s Word is unconditional love, pure, righteous, unadulterated and full of mercy and grace for those who accept it, believe it, cling to it and live it!

Image
The Word is a Person
“In the beginning the Word already existed. He was with God, and he was God. He was in the beginning with God.” John 1:1, NLT

“So the Word became human and lived here on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness.” John 1:14, NLT

“We have all benefited from the rich blessings he brought to us–one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ.”

And the Person is Jesus Christ. Jesus, the Truth, the Way and the Life…eternal…for those who believe and live it…without compromise.

O LORD, of heaven and earth, Help us, by your power living in us, to never compromise what Your Word says to us. In Jesus Name, Amen

 

 

 

 
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

WHO ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

Posted on March 12, 2014 by randscallawayffm

Psalm 119, Verse 2

“Happy are those who obey his decrees and search for him with all their heart.”

A young, single friend of mine came into the break room one day lamenting over another break up of a relationship. I listened for quite awhile. Then she asked openly, “Why can’t I find the right person for me?” Since she asked, I said, “Where are you looking?” To that, she immediately got very quiet. She knew she was looking in all the wrong places. Does that remind you of a song? “Looking for love in all the wrong places…”

Our verse today is detrimental to every aspect of our lives. To obey without the search of God is fruitless. To obey without loving God with all our heart, mind, body and soul, is fruitless and makes us unhappy and frustrated more easily with circumstance. In fact, circumstance takes over our lives and all seems lost. We must seek God first with a passionate heart that will not give up until we see His face or hear the slightest whisper of His Voice. He speaks life to us when we seek Him each morning! I know because He does for me.

We obey the law because we are searching for God to fill our hearts with all that is good, all that is HIM. Happiness and joy sprouts and blooms beautiful fruit in us when we find HIM. His Holy Spirit is now in control after the search and now he will produce the kind of fruit in us such as unconditional love (loving others like he loves us), joy, peace, gentleness, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. “Here there is no conflict with the law.” as Paul writes in Galatians 5:23.

In fact, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. If we are living now by the Holy Spirit, let us follow the Holy Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” Galatians 5:25, NLT

One last thought…
The NIV version of Psalm 119:1-2 says, “Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.”

Does this sound familiar? Jesus began his sermon on the mount with, “Blessed are those who….”

Yes, this psalm opens with two beatitudes. “Blessed” are those whose ways are blameless, who live according to God’s law, who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their heart. The author of the psalm seems to be a man who has known great trouble in his life, but also a man who has come through it with a deep and passionate understanding of God’s unfailing love and compassion (Psalm 119:75-77). Throughout his affliction, the author clings to the truths he learns from the Scriptures which are eternal and “stand firm in the heavens” (Psalm 119:89-91). His love for the Word of God and his dedication to remember it and live by it is a theme that is repeated over and over. I get it. I can’t wait to know more, how about you?

Image

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for your Word that speaks volumes to us this morning in just a couple of verses! Continue to teach we who are hungry for Your teaching and searching for sound wisdom. We cry out for Your insight and understanding so that our behavior would better reflect Your Word and what we say we believe. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit that directs, guides, challenges, convicts and restores us. In Jesus Name, Amen

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

BUILDING CHARACTER

Posted on March 11, 2014 by randscallawayffm
In God we trust. All others we polygraph. 

Sad, but true. There are few people in this world that I would trust with my life. Ultimately, I trust only God for life and more life eternal. He is my rock, my salvation and my deliverer.

In the coming days, I would like to “camp out”, going verse by verse, step by step, on a journey through Psalm 119. Psalm 119 (Greek numbering: Psalm 118) is the longest psalm as well as the longest chapter in the Bible. It is referred to in Hebrew by its opening words, “Ashrei temimei derech” (“happy are those whose way is perfect”). It is the prayer of one who delights in and lives by the Torah, the sacred law. So, there is much to learn, maybe be affirmed, but mostly challenged, in what we desire to be for God while the Holy Spirit guides us. 

“Happy are people of integrity, who follow the law of the LORD.” Ps 119:1, NLT

Integrity: Doing the right thing even who no one is watching. This was the statement made at the end of each school day by one of the principals I taught for years ago. He was not a proclaimed Christian but he would always listen and was interested in what Randy (who also worked previously for him) were up to in our lives as Christians. He was a man of integrity, but he was not happy. He didn’t have the true joy of having a personal relationship with the One who drives integrity in us. He just wanted kids to do the right thing. I pray for him still. 
Image
The theme of Psalm 119 is the delight one has in following God’s Word as a guide to behavior from a deep love of God. May we learn more and more as we study and meditate on the longest chapter in the Bible. 

PSALM 119. This is a psalm by itself, like none of the rest; it excels them all, and shines brightest in this constellation of psalms. May we shine like stars as we read, think, and behave with integrity as we study this psalm. Be happy, be joyful. ; )

In Jesus Name and by the Power of Your Holy Spirit working in us. Amen!

 

 

 

 
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO????

Posted on March 10, 2014 by randscallawayffm

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO????.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO????

Posted on March 10, 2014 by randscallawayffm

My status on facebook asks “what have you been up to?” And I laugh with tears in my eyes for what we were “up to” last week!! We are still full of the pure, unadulterated joy of being in God’s Presence in Haiti as He did His work in and through us in ways that was humbling and restoring for our souls. There is so much on my mind this morning that I need to process and learn from, that I cannot write it down…yet. But I will, in pieces, one bite at a time, in hopes that God’s message will be as helpful to you as He is to me. His power, might and His saving restoring grace can be found anywhere and anytime. You do not have to go to Haiti to find Him. He is with you right now, right where you sit. Oh, stop and envision Him for a moment. I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about Him, aren’t you?

The Lord is guiding me to go through Psalm 119 over the next few days, one bite at a time. Join me if you like as I write simply what God speaks to my heart concerning His ways and His thinking. It all come from Him. Let see what He has to say to us and for us. Let’s help each other! Respond what God puts on your heart as we study together, guided by His Holy Spirit. 
Image
And thank you for praying….”Oh, what a wonderful God we have! How great are his riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his methods! For who can know what the LORD is thinking? Who knows enough to be his counselor? And who could ever give him so much that he would have to pay it back? For everything comes from him; everything exists by his power and is intended for his glory. To him be glory evermore. Amen” Romans 11, NLT

Dear Heavenly Father,
You have filled us to overflow…just as we asked. You displayed Your Power and Almighty ways right in front of all of us to let us know, without a doubt, WHO was in charge, in control at all times. Thank you, thank you, thank you. 
In Jesus Name, Amen!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

TIME TO PACK YOUR BACKPACK!

Posted on February 26, 2014 by randscallawayffm

PACKING
It’s time to pack the suitcase for ministry to women in Haiti. Decisions are being made as to what will be the most important to take, what will be needed, and what needs to be left behind. And I smile. For all I can think of is You, dear Lord, Your Holy Spirit living in us, and Your word to us. And I smile. I allow myself to worry needlessly over what “might happen” and then I stop and smile over the silliness of over thinking. You brought us this far, dear Lord. You are in control. And I smile, again, as I continue to pack. 

I think as I pack…No matter who you are or what you do, if you believe that Jesus died for your sin and you accept Him as Your Lord, then Christ lives in you! And you are not alone in trying to live the life that pleases God! “For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what please him.” (Phil 2:13)

I think of the quote by missionary, Elisabeth Elliot, “The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of Christian, but the fact that I am a Christian does make me a different kind of woman. For I have accepted God’s idea of me, and my whole life is an offering back to Him of all that I am, and all that He wants me to be.” All that I am, just as I am, with a willing heart to be more and grow in Him.

I smile as I think about what God has told us to pack and wear in this journey of life here…”So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, WEAR LOVE. It’s your basic, all purpose garment.” (Col 3)
Image
And I smile. This suitcase will be a lot lighter if I listen to what God wants me to wear! Now, I’m thinking of all those things I need to leave behind!

Dear Heavenly Father, As we daily pack our bags and backpacks for the journey of the every day on this earth, may we wear love, Your kind of love that runs deep full of mercy and grace. Lord, here I am, take me just as I am and transform me to be what YOU want me to be. In Jesus Name, Amen

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

NOT US!

Posted on February 25, 2014 by randscallawayffm
NOT US!  Really….not us.

As preparations are being completed to leave for Haiti to speak to Haitian women at the first annual Women’s Health Fair, I just want to praise God for bringing us to this point in time on this journey on earth. At times, we think all is lost, people won’t listen to us about you here, so why should we go there? We get downcast about family issues, friends in crisis, and people without the Lord in their lives trying to live life without the guidance and Power of the Holy Spirit.

Then I read Romans 12 again today and take to heart these words…

“Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master; cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder.” Rom 12, Msg

Then comes the praises of our God. It’s not us, it’s all about Him. Times have always been tough. God has done and is doing great things because HE is great and greatly to be praised. Simple and profound.

“Not to us, O LORD, but to you goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness.” Psalm 115:1, NLT

“I love the LORD because he hears and answers my prayers. Because he bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I have breath!” Psalm 116:1, NLT

“Praise the LORD, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth. For he loves us with unfailing love; the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!” Psalm 117, NLT

YES! When we look up, God bends down to listen to His children! That alone is worth all the praise that is within us!

Image
“The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my victory. songs of joy and victory are sung in the camp of the godly. The strong right arm of the LORD has done glorious things!” Psalm 118, NLT

NOT US! IT’S HIM, THE GOD OF GLORY!

Yes, praying expectantly and In Jesus Name, Amen!

 

 

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

UNDERSTANDING OURSELVES

Posted on February 24, 2014 by randscallawayffm
“The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, NOT by what we are and what we do for him. In this way we like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and functions as a part of his body.” Romans 12, Msg

We are part of Christ’s body. If we are an arm, a healthy arm would instinctively swing freely as the Body walked in balance with the other parts. If we are a healthy leg, then the leg would take steps without thinking through how to take each step, but reflectively just walk, directed by the mind of Christ. If we are the mouthpiece of Christ, we will move our lips with his precious words coming freely from His heart. As parts of his Body, we understand that we are only a “part” of the whole. Within the confines of His Body, we move instinctively, in His ebb and flow, in harmony with the other parts, at the direction of the mind of Christ, Himself. He is our center–THE control center of the Body. We are only parts of His body that move at his direction. 

If we are His feet…we don’t move a step to begin the walk without the Mind of Christ directing each movement. We do not even lift a finger without the thought originating at the Control Center of the Body…the mind of Christ…to move that finger. To be an active, moving Body of Christ, we must connect to the mind of Christ, with each nerve and sinew, moving reflectively to his slightest inclination of thought. 

Yes…”the only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.” (Romans 12, Msg)

“So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t.” Romans 12, Msg

Image
You are God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, the three in One. We are not. We are only the parts of Your Body. The Body of Christ. 

Dear Heavenly Father, It is becoming more and more clear that to understand ourselves is to know that everything comes from You, everything happens through You, because of You and everything ends up in You. We are only a part. And all the parts always give glory and praise to You. Yes! In Jesus Name, Amen

 

 

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

GRATEFUL FOR GRACE

Posted on February 23, 2014 by randscallawayffm
“I’m speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it’s important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No God brings it all to you.” Romans 12, Msg
Image
We all live, relate, work, and rest because of the pure mercy and grace of our Heavenly Father through the salvation given by His Son, Jesus Christ. Period.

Thank you, Lord. I am eternally grateful. Take my life, just as I am, and use it for Your Glory. In Jesus Name, Amen

 
Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment